As 2015 draws to a close, MileSplit revisits the Top 10 Upsets of the Year... Stayed tuned to this page as the countdown continues every day this week.
5. Nevada Mareno Out-Kicks Ryen Frazier at New Balance Nationals
Ryen Frazier beat Nevada Mareno by 11 seconds in the 1600m at the NCRunners Holiday Invitational in December of last year -- 4:49.78 to 5:00.63.
When the two North Carolinians met again in New York for the New Balance Nationals Indoor Mile, Frazier was the overwhelming favorite.
The Foot Locker Nationals runner-up was undefeated against prep competition on the track; she won the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix and placed sixth in a professional field at the Camel City Elite Mile with a new PR of 4:41.
Mareno, a sophomore at Leesville Road High School, won indoor state titles in the 1K and 1600m, but owned a PR of "just" 4:55 for the full mile.
Frazier, a senior at Ravenscroft High School, aimed for a tough triple in New York: 5K, Two Mile, Mile. She was the defending outdoor mile champion; her older sister, Wesley, won all three events at the outdoor championship in 2013.
On Day One, Frazier took second in the 5K to Foot Locker Nationals champion Anna Rohrer, as the Indiana native set an indoor national record of 16:10.79. Frazier ran U.S. No. 3 All-Time 16:12.81.
On Day Two, Mareno anchored the Leesville Road TC 4x800m to runner-up honors with a 2:07.6 anchor leg.
On Day Three, Frazier won the Two Mile in a dominating 10:02.86, the third-fastest indoor time in prep history. She had just a couple hours to recover before her final event, the Mile.
Stephanie Jenks led the field through 800m in 2:21 before Frazier took the reins; the lead pack quickly dwindled to just Frazier, Jenks and Mareno lurking in third with the rest of the field 20 meters behind. The split time was 3:33 through 1200m as Frazier and Mareno made complete separation. Mareno made her move from 150 meters out to cross the line in 4:43.23 to set a new National Sophomore Class Record. Frazier would finish runner-up in 4:44.48.
Watch the New Balance Nationals Indoor Mile:
Nevada Mareno reacts immediately after winning the NBNI Mile:
"I knew yesterday... I was doing the 4x800 with my team. They gave me the baton in perfect position, third place and I came through in 2:07 for the 800m and I said, 'oh my God, I think I can do this.'"
Watch the in-depth post-race interview with Mareno: